The Delta State Police Command has refuted claims of extortion involving the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of ‘B’ Division, Warri, describing the allegations as false and misleading. The claims, made by Comrade Peter Edariese, alleged that the DPO and his team extorted ₦240,000 from one Godstime Edesiri as bail for an undisclosed crime.
In a statement released on January 14, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, the command provided clarity on the matter. According to the statement, the case stemmed from a report filed on October 28, 2024, by one Mrs. Helen Ogodogun. She alleged that her Samsung Galaxy A05s smartphone, valued at ₦165,000, was stolen while she was in transit, and ₦240,000 was fraudulently transferred from her bank account to purchase airtime via USSD.
Investigations led the police to the suspect, Godstime Edesiri, whose phone contained the SIM card linked to the fraudulent transaction. Edesiri was apprehended on December 3, 2024, following a technically-driven investigation. He allegedly attempted to settle the matter out of court to avoid legal consequences.
On January 14, 2025, Edesiri was formally charged with conspiracy and stealing and arraigned in court. The court ordered his remand at Okere Prison in Warri.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has called on journalists and human rights activists to verify facts through the Police Public Relations Officer before making public statements to avoid disseminating misleading information.
The command reiterated its commitment to justice and warned against attempts to pervert it.